Renee Hartshorn, DVM

Degrees: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

College of veterinary medicine: Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

  I’ve always loved animals, but for a long time, my family joked that I could never become a veterinarian because I was afraid of needles. A close friend encouraged me to follow my passion for veterinary medicine anyway, and I’m so grateful they did. Over time, I realized that as long as I’m caring for the animals rather than receiving the injection myself, needles aren’t a problem at all. That gentle nudge helped me discover my true calling and set me on the path I love today.

  Here at Hopmeadow, I provide wellness and preventive care, urgent care, and long-term management of chronic diseases. My thorough approach means a yearly check-up is not just about vaccine boosters; instead, I focus on partnering with owners to keep their companions as healthy as possible for as long as possible. When I’m caring for a pet who isn’t feeling well, my goal is to identify what’s going on and clearly explain the possible diagnoses and treatment options. I hope every owner leaves feeling more confident and informed about their pet’s health so they can make decisions comfortably and with clarity. Helping pets live healthier, happier lives is truly the heart of what I do.

  I love helping pets feel better, but I also love helping people care for the animals who mean the world to them. Pets are cherished members of the family, and they deserve attentive, thoughtful, and compassionate care. That belief motivates me to look beyond basic pet care and provide the highest level of support I can. When a pet first arrives for a visit, I speak softly and soothingly, making sure my body language is calm and reassuring. Gaining a patient’s trust means everything to me, and those first moments set the tone for a comfortable experience.

  Growing up, I moved frequently—living in Colorado, Indiana, and Wisconsin—so “hometown” has never been just one place. My pets have always been my constants. They are entertaining, comforting, amusing, and yes, occasionally trying, but they make every day richer and more meaningful. Right now, home includes my husband, our yellow Lab named Encore; our elderly pug named Gonzo; our two cats, Trinket and Mukherjee; and our flock of ten chickens, each with a name and a personality all their own.

  Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy baking, crafting, and reading everything from cozy mysteries to science fiction and fantasy. I love writing, board games, hiking, exploring museums and bookstores, finding new coffee shops, doing escape rooms, and (above all) anything involving dragons!